In statements on the “After Foot” program on French RMC radio, Younes Al-Ainawy, the father of the Moroccan international player Nail Al-Ainawy, revealed the real reasons behind his son’s choice to represent the Atlas Lions instead of the French national team, emphasizing the significant difference in levels between the two teams.
Younes confirmed that Nail (25 years old), who is currently participating in the 2026 World Cup with Morocco, made the decision himself and did not receive any call-up from the French federation before making this choice.
Humility and Realistic Awareness of Level Differences
The father explained that Nail’s humility made him well aware that the level of the French national team was very high for him at that stage: “I think his humility at the beginning made him see the French team as a very high-level team, and he may have even doubted his ability to join it.” On the contrary, the Moroccan national team welcomed him and matched his level, as he played a friendly match with the Moroccan U20 team early on and felt a sense of belonging among his Moroccan teammates in Nancy.
Personal Attention from Walid Regragui
Younes added: “There was Morocco, especially Walid Regragui, who has been contacting Nail regularly for several years.” This ongoing attention gave Nail confidence and a sense of appreciation, in contrast to the complete silence from the French side.
Younes Al-Ainawy’s Personal Experience: Direct Comparison
Younes did not limit himself to talking about his son; he shared his own experience as a former professional tennis player to highlight the difference in levels: “I could have played for France at a certain time, but like Nail, I did not have the sufficient level, while I always had the level to play for Morocco. The difference is that I was born in Morocco and raised there, and I learned to play tennis in Morocco. I left Morocco at the age of 18, so the matter was not as relevant for me.”
A Thoughtful Decision and Waiting for Readiness
Younes continued: “He was the one who decided. In his mind, it was clear. He was waiting to become a starter at his club before coming to the national team when he was able to play at a high level, and not just to be a substitute.” With this clear vision, Nail Al-Ainawy – born in Nancy and currently a professional at AS Roma – chose to belong to the Moroccan national team, where he feels he is in the right place for his level and ambition, away from the pressure and exceptional level of the French national team.
